Strategy execution strives for a future state by aligning job responsibilities to critical objectives and people aligned with jobs and tasks. The successful blocking and tackling of daily tasks achieves the vision. Clear, consistent communication is essential for employees to understand their role's contribution to objectives.
Consider growing versus scaling the business as alternating levers for executing the strategy. By definition, growth is a $1 invested yields $1 payoff. Scale is $1 invested yields a multiple times payoff. Scale, or economies of scale, equates to operational and organizational efficiencies.
It is easy to conceptualize operational or mechanical efficiency. Organizational or people efficiencies are more challenging to conceptualize and implement.
📚 Playbooks are essential for strategy execution. They serve as a reference point and ensure everyone works to align their efforts towards shared objectives. As the name suggests, playbooks capture the instructions to carry out specific job tasks. Even better, playbooks capture the institutional knowledge beyond instructions to reinforce company culture and brand. Playbooks are the foundation for continuous improvement.
Playbooks deliver value in 5 ways.
1️⃣ Time saver - no need to start from scratch. You have the task recipe.
2️⃣ Communications - the organization documented the essential message for everyone to see and understand.
3️⃣ Accountability - Who does what and when. Role assignments are clear.
4️⃣ Efficiency - Clear communications, task expectations, and accountability drive efficiency.
5️⃣ Workforce Staffing - Adding a new employee to the job requires less ramp-up time. The focus shifts from "how" to "value add." Playbooks support job enrichment and job enlargement.
How do playbooks drive economies of scale? Playbooks support surrounding new hires with essential job information - tasks and mentor contacts. Current staff ready for promotion or transfer to new departments are unencumbered by lengthy 2-in-a-box training or lack of bench resources.
Take a look at this example. Share your thoughts on how you are using playbooks.